25 Cheap Birthday Gift Ideas Friends and Neighbors Will Love
Can you spread the birthday love without breaking the bank? Yes!
These creative and affordable birthday gift ideas help give your budget a breather, while still making others feel special.
These cheap birthday gifts are great for:
- Friends
- Neighbors
- Teachers
- Coworkers
- Volunteer workers
- Host/Hostess
- Caretakers
- Service workers
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Top Budget-Friendly Birthday Gift Ideas
Below you’ll find a mix of fun diy gift ideas and easy to shop Amazon options. Your friend is going to feel so loved!
1. Nacho Average Friend
If you’re looking for a gift that’s fun, easy, and guaranteed to make someone smile, this Nacho Average Gift Basket is it! It’s exactly what you need for anyone who deserves a little extra “cheesy” love.
And it can be customized for just about anyone or any occasion.
2. S’more Love in a Jar
This S’mores in a Jar gift idea is the perfect blend of thoughtful and delicious! Layer classic s’mores ingredients in a mason jar, tie it up with a festive ribbon, and top it off with one of our free printable gift tags for an extra dash of charm.
3. Decorative Dish Towels
Pick up a set of seasonal or cute dish towels for a gift that’s both practical and charming. Attach a low-cost spatula and then stick these in a simple mason jar for an adorable gift.
4. Paperwhite Flowers Gift
If you’re looking for flower bulb gift ideas that are thoughtful, easy, and elegant, this DIY paperwhite project is the perfect choice. It’s simple enough for non-gardeners, affordable to make in batches, and is so pretty when it blooms.
5. Fun Drink Kit
One of the simplest gifts for a neighbor, friend, or family is a DIY drink mix. It’s consumable and clutter free. Plus, who doesn’t love a festive drink?!
You can pair this with the time of year the birthday is in:
Winter
- Hot cocoa in a jar
- Spiced Mulled wine (adults)
- Cranberry Orange Hot Toddy Mix (adults)
Spring
- Starbucks copycat pink drink
- Raspberry Mint Fizz Mix (adults)
- Mimosa kit (adults)
Summer
- Lemonade mix
- Pineapple Coconut Slushy
- Mojito mix (adults)
Fall
- Chai Latte Mix
- Warm apple cider kit
- Pumpkin spice latte ingredients
- Cranberry mule mix (adults)
Pair the drink mix with fun cups, a cute pitcher/jar, and creative mix-ins for a gift they’ll love. You can also do a coffee or tea sampler any time of year!
To make it even more budget-friendly, whip up a big batch to divide into multiple gifts within each season.
6. Potted Plant or Succulent
A small, low-maintenance plant or succulent is a cheerful gift that adds greenery to any space.
If your recipient is a budding cook, gift a small set of herb seeds, a pot, and soil for a fun herb garden.
7. Mini Bar in a Jar Gift Idea
This mini bar in a jar gift idea is sure to be a huge hit!
When it comes to giving, sometimes the simplest gifts bring the biggest smiles. Mini bottles, mixers, and a splash of creativity come together to make this the perfect DIY gift for adults. Grab the free printable tags on the post to tie it all together.
8. Mini Photo Frame with a Memory
Print a special photo of a shared moment and place it in a small, elegant frame.
9. Notebook or Journal
Gift a stylish notebook or journal that can be used for jotting down ideas, recipes, or daily reflections. I love this simple leather journal.
Pro Tip: Choose a gift idea that works for multiple people on your list. Buy the items in bulk to save both money (and extra trips to the store)!
10. DIY Spa & Bath Gift
*Perfect for a friend, mom, or teacher
Create a simple DIY gift for an at-home spa experience.
A Mini Spa Kit gift in a Jar is quick to make, easy on the budget, and packed with self-care goodness in the cutest way possible.
From soothing bath salts to handmade scrubs, you can personalize each jar for under $10. Or give these items separately:
- Homemade budget-friendly soap
- Honey and Lavender Milk Bath
- Bath salts- mix Epsom salt, baking soda, and calming essential oils
- Foot soak in a Jar- mix Epsom salts, baking soda, and essential oil
Related: No-Spend Mother’s Day Gifts
11. Movie or Game Night
*Great for a budget-friendly family gift
Create an affordable movie night gift box with:
- popcorn
- fun popcorn seasoning
- candy
- soda or sparkling water
Personalize it by adding a list of your favorite recent movies.
Throw in a card game to turn it into a game night box!
12. Handmade Bookmark
Craft a beautiful bookmark using ribbons, beads, or laminated decorative paper for the book lover in your life.
Related: DIY Birthday Gifts
13. Personalized Cheap Birthday gift Ideas
Add names or initials to small affordable items for a thoughtful touch.
Here are some unique favorites for under $10 on Amazon:
14. A Unique Gift Card Present
Giving a gift card doesn’t have to be boring. Try one of these fun ways to give your friend a gift card present they’ll never forget.
15. Homemade Granola
You can NEVER go wrong with treats made right in your kitchen. This homemade granola in a jar gift is adorable and delicious.
Or you can bake cookies, brownies, or muffins, and package them in a decorative box, jar, or tin.
Related: Most Fun Mason Jar Gift Ideas
16. Freezer Meal
Do you have a busy friend? Nothing beats the gift of a homemade meal when you don’t have time to cook!
The best part of gifting a freezer meal is that…
- It’s easy. You can simply double a meal you’re already making.
- It can go right into the freezer if they aren’t ready to eat it. Then it’s easy to pull out on a busy day.
Delicious, easy meals to use are southwest chicken and rice, taco soup, and homemade spaghetti sauce.
17. Cooking spices
Buy or make a set of premium spices to elevate your friend’s culinary creations. It’s adds flavor and flair to their kitchen adventures.
The most used mixes are taco, fajita, Italian, and ranch seasoning.
18. Reusable water bottle
A stylish and eco-friendly water bottle keeps them hydrated all day while reducing plastic waste. It’s also perfect for on-the-go convenience.
19. Break in Case of Emergency
This clever In Case of Emergency Break Glass gift comes in so handy! Whether it’s cash for a rainy day or snacks to rescue a hangry moment, it’s a diy gift that’s equal parts practical and playful.
20. Cozy socks
Gift soft, warm socks designed to keep their feet toasty. It’s great for lounging at home or adding a bit of comfort to their wardrobe.
21. Homemade Soup in a Jar Gift
Nothing says homemade love quite like a jar filled with cozy, hearty soup mix!
This Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar is easy to make, affordable, and the perfect gift to warm hearts (and bellies). It’s a thoughtful way to show someone you care.
And don’t just make one! Keep an extra jar or two in your pantry. It’s great for busy nights or those “I forgot a gift!” moments.
22. DIY Candle Jar
Create a scented candle in a mason jar using wax and essential oils. Customize the scent to suit their personality!
23. Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees….Or Does It?
Ok, but what if you just want to give your friend money? It’s the easiest option and everyone loves it. But instead of giving money in a boring envelope, consider one of these clever money gift ideas that make this gift unforgettable.
24. Delicious Snack Mix
Who doesn’t love to snack? Grab this fall snack mix recipe for ideas on how to make this a yummy gift.
25. Homemade Vanilla
Give a gift that’s both simple and sophisticated with a Homemade Vanilla Extract Gift. It’s easy to make, feels luxurious, and adds a personal touch to anyone’s baking (or coffee!). All you need are vanilla beans, vodka, and jars or containers. (Grab the free printable tags on the post!)
More Ways To Save At Birthdays
- 50 Must-See Birthday Freebies to Snag
- Affordable (& Awesome) Birthday Party Ideas For Adults
- Cheap Gift Ideas Perfect For Coworkers
- Frugal Fun Birthday Party Ideas For Kids
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